Majestic Mercedes-Benz

Driving some of the legendary marque's most magnificent creations.

Mercedes-Benz had a special gift for the Southern California automotive media at its holiday luncheon event — a brief ride and drive featuring a 540K and a 300SL.

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The Mercedes-Benz 540 K was launched in 1936 and immediately became a sought-after vehicle by those who still had the means to afford such expensive baubles in the years immediately following The Great Crash. As with many of the fine automobiles of that era, a separate coachwork house could be commissioned to create a custom body to suit the owner's taste. This particular car was commissioned by a wealthy German industrialist who had Mercedes' own in-house styling department, the Sindelfingen body works, develop its elegant sheet metal. It is a rare car, indeed, a 1939 with special roadster bodywork attached to a short-wheelbase chassis. Only five of these were built, of which only three are known to have survived to present day. The car now belongs to a Swiss gentleman who is kind enough to let Mercedes-Benz USA borrow it so that they can share it with an adoring public. Look for more info on this particular machine in the April 2005 edition of Tech Tidbits within the pages of Road & Track.

The elegant Mercedes-Benz limousine is a 600 Pullman. This model originally appeared at the Frankfurt Motor Show back in 1963 and, despite its vintage appearance, this particular car at our disposal was built in 1980, as the Pullman model was built all the way up through 1981. With dignitaries and world leaders using Pullman limos for nearly two decades, the car did wonders for cementing Mercedes-Benz' stature as a force in the premium luxury automobile class. A total of 2677 Pullmans were built with this car being one of the select armored editions. The rear doors are so heavy that they are not opened/closed in the traditional manner — a small button sits flush on the outside of the exterior door handle that facilitates the door's operation hydraulically. Prior to it finding a home in the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, this car carried leaders and celebrities (including Princess Diana) from its creation up to its decommissioning as a diplomat carriage in the 1990s. Many of the staff were chauffeured in this Pullman for the short drive from the R&T offices to the M-B holiday luncheon. What a treat!

The epitome of Mercedes-Benz design and opulence is its 300SL, one of the most recognizable and magnificent automotive icons ever. Better known to many as a "Gullwing," the 300SL was produced for just three years beginning in late 1954 with a total of only 1401 cars constructed. The Gullwing was the first true sports car Mercedes developed after World War II. The car made its debut at the 1954 International Motor Sports Show in New York, with the love affair continuing between enthusiasts and this lovely machine right through to today.

Thanks again to the Mercedes-Benz West Coast regional office for making a pleasant lunch outing an affair to always remember.